What are pigeon or dove houses?
Pigeon or dove houses, also known as dovecotes or columbaria, are structures specifically built to house domesticated pigeons or doves. They have been used for thousands of years as a source of food, fertilizer, and communication.
History of pigeon houses
The keeping of pigeons and doves in artificial nests probably originated in the Middle East over 5000 years ago. Ancient Egyptian tomb decorations frequently showed dovecotes, which were considered symbols of afterlife. Pigeon keeping spread to ancient Greece and Rome, where pigeon droppings were highly valued as fertilizer and the birds themselves were used as messengers and a source of meat.
Dovecotes became common throughout medieval Europe, with the feudal lord controlling the dove house and tenants required to contribute young pigeons to stock it. By the 18th century, over 26,000 dove houses could be found in England alone. They began to decline with the advent of chemical fertilizers but remain a feature of the countryside in many parts of Europe.
Design and construction
Pigeon houses were traditionally built as freestanding structures in a circular, square or octagonal shape. They were often positioned against a wall or built into the gable end of a barn to provide shelter. The interior contains niches, ledges or boxes to provide nesting space. A ladder or stairs allows access for the caretaker to harvest squabs (young pigeons) for the pot.
Today, many different materials can be used – wood, brick, stone or concrete. The front is usually slatted to allow pigeons entry and exit while keeping out larger birds. Ventilation at the top allows airflow. Inside there are often trap doors or shutters to give access to the nest boxes for cleaning and maintenance.
Design element | Purpose |
---|---|
Entry and exit slats | Allow pigeon access but exclude predators |
Nest boxes | Provide protected site for breeding |
Ventilation holes | Allow airflow to keep interior dry |
Access doors/ladders | Enable cleaning and maintenance |
Weather protection | Keep interior dry and suitable for nesting |
Pigeon house management
Successful pigeon keeping requires active management of the dove house. Nests must be cleaned out after each brood leaves the nest to reduce parasite buildup. The structure should also be treated periodically with insecticides and disinfectants.
Overcrowding should be avoided by limiting the number of nest boxes to around 30-60 pairs. Food, water and grit must be supplied year-round. Bathing water helps keep the birds free of feather parasites. Predators like rats or snakes should be excluded.
With proper care, a well-managed pigeon loft can yield 8-10 squabs per nesting pair over a season. Surplus adult birds can be culled for meat.
Keeping pigeons and doves
Choosing a breed
There are many breeds of domestic pigeon that can be kept in dove houses. Popular choices include:
– Racing or homing pigeons – valued for their ability to find their way over long distances. Require lots of flying room.
– Fancy breeds – pigeons bred for unusual plumage and appearances rather than flying ability. Examples include fantails, pouters and frillbacks.
– Utility breeds – usually dual purpose for both meat and eggs. Examples are Carneau, French Mondaines, and Swiss Mondaine pigeons. White doves are also a utility breed.
– Show breeds – pigeons exhibited for perfect breed characteristics, like English trumpeter or Jacobin pigeons.
The breed chosen depends on whether pigeons are being kept for racing, show, meat, egg production, or as living white doves for ceremonial releases.
Housing needs
Pigeons do well in properly constructed dovecotes that provide:
– Protection from predators and theft
– Shade and ventilation but free of drafts
– Nest boxes or ledges for breeding
– Perches at different heights for roosting
– Easy to clean interior
About 1-2 square feet of floor space should be provided per pair of pigeons. The dovecote can be free-standing or integrated into an existing structure. Locate it where pigeons will not be a nuisance.
Feeding and water
Pigeons should be fed a grain-based diet such as a commercially formulated pigeon mix. This provides carbohydrates for energy as well as protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. Supplementary grit provides calcium and aids digestion. Fresh water must always be available.
Feed type | Purpose |
---|---|
Pigeon mix | Balanced nutrition |
Grit | Aids digestion |
Clean water | Prevent dehydration |
During breeding, extra protein, minerals and calcium are required for egg production.
Health care
Diseases are uncommon in lofts with good sanitation and care. Providing clean water and feed, and reducing overcrowding helps keep birds healthy.
Routine health care measures include:
– Regular cleaning of the loft
– Parasite control through dusting birds with insecticide powder
– Vaccination for paramyxovirus
– Prompt treatment of any injuries or illnesses
A veterinarian can help with disease diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Benefits of keeping pigeons and doves
Here are some of the benefits of keeping pigeons in dove houses:
Meat production
Squabs (young pigeons) are an excellent source of lean protein, yielding two squabs every 30 days from each mated pair. Adults can also be culled for meat.
Fertilizer
Pigeon droppings are rich in nitrogen, phosphate and potassium. They make excellent organic fertilizer, boosting soils and plants. Just a few pigeons can produce sufficient fertilizer for a home garden.
Training and showing
Breeds like racing or homing pigeons can be trained for flight maneuvers or long distance racing. Show quality breeds allow for exhibition and breeding for perfection.
Companionship
Interacting with pigeons and doves can be interesting and relaxing. Observing their behaviors and plumage offers many pleasures for the avian enthusiast.
Ceremonial releases
White doves are traditionally released at weddings, funerals and other events. A home dove house lets you raise pigeons for this purpose.
Messaging
Homing pigeons can still be used to carry messages rapidly over distances. This requires specialized training.
Conclusion
Pigeon houses have served an important role throughout history as a source of food, fertilizer and messaging. Today, they enable hobbyists to raise pigeons for meat, training, show, ceremonial releases, companionship and enjoyment of their beauty and behaviors. With proper construction for the birds’ needs and attentive care and management, a backyard dove house can provide many benefits and hours of rewarding activity.